Market Segment:
Sports Car, Performance Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians
Key Competitors Era:
Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (JZA80), Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO
Unique Selling Proposition:
Rotary engine technology, balanced chassis, exceptional handling
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the complex rotary powertrain and performance-oriented systems
Engine Mechanical:
Rotary engine (13B-REW) rebuild, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, ignition system, starting and charging system, emission control system
Drivetrain:
Clutch system, transmission (R154 derivative), propeller shaft, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs), ABS system, parking brake
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, switches, power distribution, fuse and relay locations, body control modules
HVAC And Comfort:
Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation
Body And Chassis:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, safety structures, body repairs, corrosion prevention
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes (apex seals, etc.)
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), OBD-II scan tool procedures
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine teardown and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, etc.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical values
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics
Engine Type:
Twin-Rotary, Twin-Turbocharged
Rotor Housing Design:
Oversquare design with specific internal clearances for optimal sealing
Apex Seals Material:
High-temperature resistant alloy (specific composition detailed in manual)
Horsepower Hp:
255 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM spec), 255 hp @ 6500 rpm (USDM spec)
Torque Lb Ft:
217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (JDM spec), 217 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (USDM spec)
Fuel Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Turbochargers:
Sequential twin-turbo system (primary and secondary)
Fuel Type Recommended:
91+ Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with trailing and leading spark plugs per rotor
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (less common, primarily for specific markets)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single-plate dry clutch
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil (specific viscosity like 75W-90 recommended, check manual for precise fill)
NHTSA Ratings Era:
Likely not rated under modern stringent NHTSA standards, focus on structural integrity of the era
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional, depending on market and trim level
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts
Chassis Design:
Advanced chassis with emphasis on rigidity and weight distribution for safety and handling
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system (e.g., Bose on some trims), cassette deck, optional CD player
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Connectivity Era:
Limited by modern standards; focus on vehicle-integrated systems
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe service recommendations apply)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific intervals; crucial for rotary engine health
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (50,000 km)
Timing Belt Alternative:
Rotary engines do not have timing belts; they use chain-driven components or direct drive for camshafts
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent
Rotary Engine Common Issues:
Apex seal wear, oil seal failure, coolant seal failure (overheating), vacuum hose leaks, turbocharger issues, carbon buildup
Fd Specific Issues:
Sequential twin-turbo system failure, intercooler splitting, fuel pump failure, ignition system components
Prevention Strategies:
Regular oil changes with quality oil, proper engine warm-up and cool-down, careful monitoring of coolant levels, clean air filters, avoid prolonged idling
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo and RX series
Rx7 Generations:
SA/FB (1st Gen), FC (2nd Gen), FD (3rd Gen)
Fd Development:
Designed by Yoichi Satoh, focused on a pure sports car experience, extensive aerodynamic development
Fd Design Philosophy:
100:0 weight distribution, compact engine packaging for low center of gravity
Production Years Fd:
1992-2002
Manufacturing Plant:
Hiroshima, Japan
Car And Driver Award:
Car and Driver's 10Best list in 1993
Motor Trend Award:
Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1993
Performance Review Consensus:
Universally praised for its handling, balance, and unique rotary engine performance
